Bachelors of Laws/Bachelor of Global Studies

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Australian Catholic University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Global Studies at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is a multidisciplinary degree designed for students who want to build a strong foundation in law while developing a deep understanding of global issues, international relations, and cross-cultural perspectives. It is ideal for students interested in careers in law, diplomacy, international organisations, public policy, or global advocacy. Campus Location: Melbourne Campus (Victoria), Brisbane Campus (Queensland), North Sydney Campus (New South Wales) — all located in major Australian cities with strong connections to legal, governmental, and international sectors.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in both legal principles and global awareness. Core law units such as Foundations of Law and Legal Research, Torts, and Australian Legal Institutions and Processes introduce students to the structure of the Australian legal system. At the same time, global studies begins with units like Global Challenges and International Relations, helping students understand key global political, social, and economic issues.

Year 2

In Year 2, students deepen their understanding of legal doctrine through subjects such as Contracts, Criminal Law, and Constitutional Law, while expanding global perspectives through units like Global Governance and Development and Intercultural Communication. This year strengthens analytical thinking and introduces students to the interaction between law, policy, and global systems.

Year 3

Year 3 focuses on more advanced legal areas including Administrative Law and Property Law, alongside global studies units such as Human Rights in a Global Context and International Political Economy. Students begin to critically analyse how law operates within international frameworks and global institutions.

Year 4

In Year 4, students engage with specialised legal study including Equity and Trusts, Corporations Law, and Evidence, while global studies subjects such as Global Justice and Security and Migration and Refugee Studies provide deeper insight into international legal and humanitarian issues. Students also begin applying their knowledge through research-based and applied learning tasks.

Year 5

The final year prepares students for professional practice and global engagement. Law units such as Lawyers’ Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Civil Procedure are combined with advanced global electives and a capstone experience that integrates legal and international perspectives. Students refine advocacy, research, and professional decision-making skills essential for legal and global careers.

Focus Areas:

Law, International Relations, Human Rights, Global Governance, Legal Research, Public Policy, Comparative Legal Systems, Ethics, Migration Studies, International Development, Constitutional Law.

Learning Outcomes:

Develop advanced legal reasoning and research skills; understand global political, economic, and social systems; apply legal principles in international and cross-cultural contexts; demonstrate ethical and professional judgement; communicate effectively in legal and global environments; and analyse complex issues involving law, governance, and international relations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited by the Victorian Legal Admissions Board (VLAB) and satisfies the academic requirements for admission to legal practice in Victoria, subject to completion of Practical Legal Training (PLT).

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Australian Catholic University is recognised globally for its teaching quality, graduate employability, and strong focus on social justice and community impact. ACU is ranked among the top young universities worldwide and is widely regarded for producing graduates with strong professional readiness and ethical leadership skills.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Global Studies at Australian Catholic University (ACU) is designed to give students hands-on experience in both legal practice and global contexts, ensuring they graduate with strong professional capability and international awareness. Learning goes beyond textbooks through simulated legal environments, real-world legal problem solving, and global learning opportunities that help students understand how law operates across different countries and cultures. Students also engage with contemporary global issues such as human rights, migration, governance, and international relations while developing practical legal skills through structured university-supported learning environments:

Moot Court and Legal Simulation Activities – Students participate in advocacy exercises, simulated hearings, and courtroom-style assessments to develop real legal argumentation and presentation skills.
Law Clinics and Practical Legal Experience – Opportunities to engage in supervised legal practice environments, applying legal knowledge to real or simulated client matters while building professional skills.
Global Study and Exchange Programs – Access to international study opportunities, study tours, and exchange pathways that allow students to experience legal systems and global governance structures in other countries.
Work-Integrated Learning and Internships – Structured placements and industry-linked experiences that help students develop professional legal and global policy skills in real workplace environments.
Group Projects and Case-Based Learning – Collaborative assignments focused on real-world legal and global issues, encouraging teamwork, negotiation, research, and problem-solving skills.
Digital Learning Platforms and Legal Research Tools – Use of university learning systems (such as online learning platforms), legal databases, and digital research tools to develop advanced legal research and analysis capabilities.
Libraries and Academic Resources – Access to ACU’s law and humanities library collections, online journals, and legal databases supporting both domestic and international law studies.
Global Studies Focus Areas – Exposure to international relations, global politics, human rights frameworks, and cross-cultural communication through applied academic learning and research projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Global Studies at Australian Catholic University (ACU) prepares graduates for careers that operate across law, international relations, diplomacy, and global policy. Students develop strong capabilities in legal reasoning, cross-cultural understanding, global governance, and policy analysis, enabling them to work in complex international and domestic environments. Graduates typically pursue roles such as Solicitor, Policy Adviser, International Relations Officer, Human Rights Officer, and Government or NGO Program Officer, particularly in organisations dealing with global legal and social issues.

This strong career preparation is supported by several key advantages:

Excellent Graduate Employment Outcomes – ACU reports that 95% of graduates are employed, reflecting the university’s strong focus on employability, practical learning, and professional readiness.
Career Development Services – Students benefit from ACU’s dedicated employability support, including career counselling, mentoring, networking events, resume and interview workshops, internship guidance, and graduate employment preparation programs designed to improve job readiness.
Industry and Global Partnerships – ACU collaborates with organisations such as AED Legal, JobWatch, Knowmore Legal Service, Refugee Legal, Peninsula Community Legal Centre, Western Sydney Community Legal Centre, Justice Reform Initiative, and Young Workers Centre, alongside exposure to international-focused learning through global studies networks and policy-oriented organisations.
Practical Pro Bono Experience – Students complete 80 hours of pro bono legal experience, applying legal knowledge in real-world contexts while contributing to community legal services and developing professional skills.
Long-Term Professional Accreditation Value – The Bachelor of Laws component is accredited and recognised by legal admission authorities in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, meeting the academic requirements for admission to legal practice after completing Practical Legal Training (PLT).
Graduate Salary Prospects – Graduates entering legal, policy, international relations, and global development roles typically earn between AUD $70,000 and $110,000 per year, depending on role, sector, and experience level. Salaries increase significantly with professional progression and international experience.
Global Career Pathways – Graduates are well prepared for careers in international organisations, diplomacy, foreign affairs, human rights agencies, non-government organisations (NGOs), government departments, legal practice, and global policy development.
Transferable Professional Skills – Students graduate with strong abilities in legal analysis, international policy evaluation, cross-cultural communication, advocacy, negotiation, and critical thinking, making them highly adaptable in both domestic and international careers.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Global Studies, graduates can undertake Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for admission as a legal practitioner in Australia. Students interested in further specialisation may pursue a Master of Laws (LLM) in areas such as international law, human rights law, environmental law, or global governance. The global studies component also supports postgraduate study in international relations, diplomacy, public policy, development studies, or political science. Graduates interested in research, academia, or leadership roles can continue into Master by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs, opening pathways into international law, global policy, diplomatic service, and senior advisory roles within government and international organisations.